I’ve never played any of the Dead Space games, though I own all 3. Not that I don’t plan to play them (eventually) but one of the hazards of being a collector is that you buy far more games than you have time to play. What I do know about Dead Space is that the first game received what is perhaps the most iconic and and one of the most sought-after editions of this generation, the “Ultra Limited Edition“. Low production numbers tend to be the best trait any collector could ask for and with only 1000 made the Ultra Limited Edition could have been nothing more than a regular game case with alternative art and made collectors still crave it. Thankfully it was not only rare but a really well put-together package, not what I would consider to be the best edition, but it would still be one of the better editions even if it wasn’t so limited.

Due to the desirability of the Ultra Limited Edition the Collector’s Edition for Dead Space 2 was considered somewhat of a let-down. Over production make them not much more valuable than the standard edition and the included bonus item (a replica plasma cutter) was actually a scale model and not the full-sized replica people were hoping for. It seems for Dead Space 3 EA is hoping to rectify this with the Dev Team Edition, limited to 5000 units across all platforms and all bundled up in what is arguably one of the highest quality packages for an edition this generation, we’ll see if the Dev Team Edition can live up to the legacy that is the Ultra Limited Edition.

The Art of Dead Space 3 Clamshell Collector’s Edition is limited to a single print run of 1,000 copies. This exclusive edition contains an additional 32-page gallery of exclusive and previously unpublished art from across the game series, including images from Christopher Shy’s Dead Space graphic novels, plus a gallery foreword from Dead Space 3 Creative Director, Ben Wanat. Also includes a free marker pendant while supplies last.

It’s time for another “Not So Special Edition” where the cool and exclusive stuff that you paid extra for in your CE becomes not so unique and not so exclusive.

Most people who bought the Dead Space 2 CE were disappointed to find out that the included “replica” Plasma Cutter wasn’t actually life size. This made it more of a Scale Model than a “Replica” (I think EA needs to buy a dictionary).

If you’re really had your heart set on one, well now’s your chance, Entertainment Earth has one up for pre-order.

This full size replica Plasma Cutter is approximately 11-inches tall x 3-inches wide x 17-inches long. This Plasma Cutter is the original size of the Plasma Cutter utilized by Isaac Clarke in Dead Space 2. It includes a 3.7 volt rechargeable battery with 30 minutes constant use battery life. The plasma cutter is made of metal with plastic parts to accommodate wiring. Estimated weight at approximately 3-pounds. The Plasma Cutter features a built in trigger when activated that reflects the signature 3-blast spot so that the use may line up its target. The Isaac Clarke’s Plasma Cutter features both the horizontal and vertical cutting modes rotating on a 90 degree angle. Ships in a uniquely designed display suitcase. Property of Isaac Clarke is displayed prominently on the outside of the case.

Interestingly the current product image is of the scale model plasma cutter that was included with the CE, you can tell by the shape of the battery door. If the description is to believed this replica will actually be a replica and made of metal to boot. Though at $240 it damn well better be made of medal. Production numbers are unclear but if you pre-order now it will be shipped in March.

A few days ago Amazon.com let slip a listing for Collector’s Edition of Dead Space 2. Someone on N4G downloaded the product image before Amazon pulled the listing. Thankfully this is one “rumor” that has been confirmed, as EA has recently announced the Collector’s Edition, at least they have for Europe.

The CE announced for Europe looks identical to the one pulled from the US Amazon store so it’s safe to assume they carry the same stuff. But while the CE will be available for PC, PS3, and Xbox 360 the content in the PS3 version is different.

All 3 versions will get the following:

Exclusive DLC code for in-game Unitology Suit and Force Gun

Dead Space 2 Original Soundtrack on CD with an hour of music compiled from the game’s score.

During EA’s press-conference at E3 this week the not only unveiled some new games but they also announced that both Dead Space 2 and Medal of Honor would be receiving the CE treatment exclusively on the PS3.

Dead Space 2 Limited Edition for the PS3 will include a re-release of the formerly Wii exclusive title Dead Space Extraction. This bonus re-release will feature HD graphics as well as trophy support and will also be compatible with the up-coming Playstation Move controller (you will be able to use a Six-Axis controller as well), and it will feature support for co-op game play. Release date is set for January 25th 2011. It’s not clear if all copies of the PS3’s Dead Space 2 will be the Limited Edition or if it will actually be a limited edition run separate from the regular edition.

Medal of Honor Special Edition for the PS3 will include a re-release of the last generation title Medal of Honor Frontline. Similar to the Dead Space Extraction re-release MoHF will feature HD graphics and trophy support. Release date is set for October 12th 2010 in North America and October 15th in Europe. Once again, it’s not clear if all copies of the PS3’s MoH will be the Special Edition or if it will be a separate release from a regular edition.

UPDATE (6/29/2010):
Based on the Gamestop listing the “Limited Edition” of Dead Space 2 for the PS3 will be the only version of the game made available. The Same holds true for the listing of the “Special Edition” of Metal of Honor.